Strengths-Based Care: A Postpartum Plan for a Positive Fourth Trimester Experience

Abstract

Introduction

The fourth trimester, or postpartum period, places the woman (newborn and couple) at the center of family care. In this study, an instrument was developed to enable the postpartum woman or couple to plan and organize the postpartum period, facilitating adaptation during this time, guided by Laurie Gottlieb’s theoretical framework on Strengths-Based Nursing Care.

Objective

The study begins with the research question: What difficulties does the postpartum woman experience? The objectives are to identify the bio-psycho-social needs of the triad in the first 12 weeks postpartum, the strategies of the postpartum woman or couple to overcome perceived difficulties, and the items to be included in the postpartum plan from a maternal perspective.

Methods

A descriptive exploratory study using a mixed-methods approach was conducted with a questionnaire administered to mothers aged 18 to 39. The study garnered 141 responses that met the eligibility criteria from April 14 to May 5, 2023. The data collection instrument was shared via mother groups on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp). Content analysis was conducted according to Bardin, employing semantic categorization in the treatment of qualitative data and statistical analysis of quantitative data.

Results

The study uncovered the difficulties, the needs of the triad in the first 12 weeks, the strategies or strengths to overcome these difficulties, and the suggested items for the postpartum plan.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the postpartum plan is an innovative concept, as pregnant women or couples often focus on developing the birth plan, frequently overlooking or undervaluing the postpartum plan. However, most participants considered planning to be one of the strengths or strategies for a positive experience in the fourth trimester.